U.S. patent application number 11/170184 was filed with the patent office on 2006-10-12 for unmanned tactical platform.
Invention is credited to Yossef Peretz.
Application Number | 20060229773 11/170184 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32652220 |
Filed Date | 2006-10-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060229773 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Peretz; Yossef |
October 12, 2006 |
Unmanned tactical platform
Abstract
An unmanned tactic platform (UTP) mounted on a two-stage
locomotive system of which a first locomotive stage is a
significantly high-speed travel stage where the UTP reaches an
arena, and a second locomotive stage is a tactical maneuver stage
in which the UTP maneuvers at the arena for executing a
mission.
Inventors: |
Peretz; Yossef; (Kfar Saba,
IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
NATH & ASSOCIATES
112 South West Street
Alexandria
VA
22314
US
|
Family ID: |
32652220 |
Appl. No.: |
11/170184 |
Filed: |
June 30, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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PCT/IL03/01083 |
Dec 17, 2003 |
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11170184 |
Jun 30, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
701/23 ;
340/425.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A62C 27/00 20130101;
G05D 2201/0207 20130101; G05D 1/0257 20130101; G05D 1/0278
20130101; G05D 1/0282 20130101; G05D 2201/0209 20130101; B61B 12/12
20130101; G05D 1/0229 20130101; G05D 1/0255 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
701/023 ;
340/425.5 |
International
Class: |
G05D 1/00 20060101
G05D001/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 31, 2002 |
IL |
153758 |
Claims
1. A system for rapid deployment of an unmanned tactical platform
(UTP), to an arena in a territory via a predetermined route on said
territory and for maneuvering said UTP at the arena for executing a
mission, comprising: a first locomotive system and a ground
vehicle, said ground vehicle comprising a self-propelled second
locomotive system and said UTP, said UTP being mounted onto said
second locomotive system, said vehicle being configured for
unmanned operative missions and said second locomotive system being
configured for enabling tactical maneuvering of said vehicle on
said territory at said arena, said vehicle being detachably mounted
to said first locomotive system, said first locomotive system being
configured for propelling said vehicle at significantly high-speed
travel along said route to said arena when said vehicle is
connected to said first locomotive system, wherein said first
locomotive system comprises a propelling system secured to the
ground and extending along said predetermined route.
2. The system according to claim 1, wherein said vehicle comprises
an arrangement for detachably mounting to said first locomotive
system and for selectively disengaging from said first locomotive
system.
3. The system according to claim 1, wherein said second locomotive
system comprises self/independent locomotive means.
4. The system according to claim 1, wherein said second locomotive
system comprises any one of a suspended wheeled system or track
motivation.
5. The system according to claim 4, wherein wheels or tracks at
opposite sides of the vehicle rotate in opposite directions to
increase maneuvering ability.
6. The system according to claim 1, wherein the unmanned tactical
platform comprises a modular payload designed and equipped for
executing one or more missions.
7. The system according to claim 6, wherein the unmanned tactical
platform is a module pre-designed and equipped for execution of
certain one or more missions and adapted for removable mounting on
the second locomotive system.
8. The system according to claim 6, wherein the unmanned tactical
platform is a module in the form of a platform adapted for mounting
thereon a payload by a variety of adaptors.
9. The system according to claim 8, wherein the payload comprises
one or more of weapon systems, pyrotechnic equipment, illumination
and audio equipment, fire-fighting equipment, hazardous material
handling equipment, robotic manipulators, communication equipment,
intelligence/surveillance equipment and day/night vision and
imaging equipment.
10. The system according to claim 1, wherein said vehicle is
equipped with information collecting sensors for picking up signals
responsive to different conditions of the UTP and of the arena,
along the path and at the arena.
11. The system according to claim 9, wherein the information
collecting sensors comprise at least one of location and position
sensors, speed and acceleration sensors, image sensors, temperature
sensors, radar, sniffer and acoustic sensors.
12. The system according to claim 12, wherein information from said
information collecting sensors is transferred to a control center
by wire or wireless communication means.
13. The system according to claim 1, wherein said vehicle is
propelled by means of an integral power system.
14. The system according to claim 1, wherein in the high-speed
travel stage the UTP is engaged with a guide system.
15. The system according to claim 1, wherein said high speed travel
of said first locomotive system comprises an average speed
exceeding about 100 Km/h.
16. The system according to claim 1, wherein said first locomotive
system comprises means to facilitate fast locomotion of the first
locomotive system along said route and a powered vehicle fitted for
cooperation with such means.
17. The system according to claim 16, wherein said means to
facilitate fast locomotion of the first locomotive system comprises
any one of: a monorail or rails, a cable, a magnetic induction
transfer system including a so-called MAGLEV system, a virtually
inductive electric propelling system, a chained track, provided
along said route.
18. The system according to claim 16, wherein, wherein said powered
vehicle of said first locomotive system is powered by various
systems including any one of fuel or electric engine, jet,
pneumatic, magnetic, or combinations thereof.
19. The system according to claim 16 wherein said locomotive system
comprises different mechanical displacing arrangements including
any one of a catapult system, stored mechanic energy, and so
on.
20. The system according to claim 16, wherein said route is a path
formed with a paved or tightly pressed track.
21. The system according to claim 16, wherein said first locomotive
system comprises two tracks for facilitating cooperation with two
or more said vehicles.
22. The system according to claim 16, said path further comprising
a protection field fence and optionally further comprising delaying
obstacles.
23. The system, according to claim 16, further comprising a control
system.
24. The system according to claim 23, wherein the control system is
mounted onboard said UTP, whereby the UTP is autonomous.
25. The system according to claim 23, wherein the control system
comprises an automated decision-making system.
26. The system according to claim 23, wherein the control system is
a remote manned control system.
27. The system according to claim 26, wherein the control system is
remote and where information signals are received at the control
center for processing thereof and in turn generating control
signals for maneuvering and operation of the UTP.
28. The system according to claim 23, wherein the control system
comprises a pre-programmed controller for controlling and managing
the UTP during execution of one or more missions according to
different pre-defined mission plans and scenarios.
29. The system according to claim 28, wherein the control system is
programmed for carrying out a predetermined routine mission and in
case of an event at an arena at or adjacent the path, further
control of the UTP is taken over by a decision making system.
30. The system according to claim 1, wherein said vehicle is
configured for disengagement from said first locomotive system
after arriving at said arena.
31. The system according to claim 30, wherein said vehicle is
configured for re-engagement with said first locomotive system.
32. A method for rapid deployment of an unmanned tactical platform
(UTP) to an arena in a territory via a predetermined route on said
territory and for maneuvering said UTP at the arena for executing a
mission, comprising: providing a first locomotive system and a
ground vehicle, said vehicle being configured for unmanned
operative missions and comprising said UTP for executing said
mission, said vehicle also comprising a self-propelled second
locomotive system configured for enabling tactical maneuvering of
said vehicle on said territory at said arena, wherein said UTP is
mounted to said second locomotive system; propelling said vehicle
to said arena at significantly high-speed by means of said first
locomotive system along said route while said vehicle is removably
attached to said first locomotive system, wherein said first
locomotive system is configured for propelling said vehicle at
significantly high-speed travel along said route to said arena when
said vehicle is connected to said first locomotive system and
comprises a propelling system secured to the ground and extending
along said predetermined route; and enabling tactical maneuvering
of said vehicle on said territory at said arena by means of said
second locomotive system.
33. The method according to claim 32, wherein the said vehicle is
not detached from said first second locomotive system at said
arena.
34. The method according to claim 32, wherein the said vehicle is
detached from said first locomotive stage when arriving at said
arena via said first locomotive system.
35. The method according to claim 32, wherein the first locomotive
system comprises a support track continuously extending along
portions of the said route and fitted for propelling the vehicle at
significantly high speed; said vehicle being detachably engageable
with the track.
36. The method according to claim 32, comprising a stage of
detaching the ground vehicle from the first stage locomotive system
and deploying it from the predetermined route into the arena.
37. The method according to claim 36, wherein the ground vehicle is
re-engageable with the locomotive system of the first locomotive
state for displacement along the route.
38. The method according to clam 32, wherein said route comprises a
border.
39. The method according to claim 32, wherein said first locomotion
system transfers said vehicle at an average speed exceeding about
100 Km/h.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention is generally in the field of unmanned
tactical vehicles and an associated system designed to carry out a
variety of missions in different arenas. In particular the
invention is concerned with a system for operating at arenas where
response-time is of crucial importance, whereby a mobile tactical
vehicle is suited for rapidly arriving at the arena and executing
one or more missions.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] A variety of patrol, surveillance and operative missions are
carried by unmanned platforms, some of which being completely
automated. Examples of such instances where an unmanned operative
mission is to be executed are border patrol, e.g. between nations
or of various facilities such as farms, airports, sensitive zones
(e.g. military or governmental institutes and facilities, power and
nuclear plants, etc.), patrol along railroads and highways,
conveying systems (oil pipelines, water ducts, etc.) and the
like.
[0003] It has been known to use unmanned systems, such as that
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,339,448 directed to an unmanned visual
monitoring system used outdoors to patrol large expanses of space
such as along highways, fences, railroad lines, rivers, borders,
beaches, etc. where guidance and support for the unmanned
surveillance camera carriage vehicle, as well as the electrical
power for its operation, are provided to the carriage and camera by
conductive track cables. At a remote control center location from
the carriage, an operator can control the movement of the vehicle
and the operation of the video camera.
[0004] Another monitoring arrangement is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
5,786,750 directed to a self-propelled remotely controlled pilot
vehicle adapted for use on railroad tracks to monitor hazardous
conditions and obstacles on the railroad tracks. The pilot vehicle
is equipped with a sensor array which measures a variety of
different parameters and with a television camera which provides a
visual image of the railroad track ahead of the pilot vehicle to a
train engineer. Information gathered by the pilot vehicle sensor
array is supplied to a computer on board the pilot vehicle and is
also transmitted to the train to enable the engineer to be apprised
of conditions existing on tracks ahead of the train in order to
have time to react to dangerous situations on the railroad
tracks.
[0005] Whilst the above U.S. patents are directed to surveillance
and monitoring of various conditions, it has also been known to use
unmanned vehicles and platforms for carrying out different missions
without risking the lives of humans. Examples of unmanned command
platforms used for carrying out operative tasks are an unmanned
aircraft suitable for carrying out a variety of missions such as
scouting over hostile territories, bombing, carrying various
payloads, guiding missiles, etc. Still another example is disclosed
in U.S. Pat. No. 6,359,834 directed to a mine neutralization device
(MND) deployed from a launch platform, such as aircraft or a
surface craft, and travels under water to destroy a mine. Command
signals are coupled to the MND through suitable communication lines
to control the MND on its way to the mine. The MND is provided with
vision and sonar systems to provide optical and acoustic data
signals to the launch platform where command signals are
transmitted to the MND for detonating explosive aboard the MND to
destroy the mine.
[0006] An unmanned vehicle designed to execute a mission may be
remotely controlled by a remote command control center, e.g. as
described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,359,834. Alternatively, or in
combination, the unmanned vehicle may be controlled and operated by
a decision making system (expert system such as fuzzy-logic, etc.)
as disclosed, for example in U.S. Pat. No. 5,832,187 or 6,122,572,
the latter directed to a vehicle designed for execution of a
mission and a programmable decision unit capable of making and
controlling the execution of the mission whereby controlling the
execution of the mission is carried out in an autonomous fashion
such that the vehicle becomes an autonomous vehicle.
[0007] In many cases the response time in which the tactical
platform reaches an arena in which it is to execute a mission is of
significance and even may be critical in some hazardous
conditions.
[0008] Thus, it is a primary object of the present invention to
provide an unmanned tactical platform (UTP) designed to reach an
arena at significantly high speed and in a short time, for
execution of one or more missions at the arena.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention calls for an unmanned tactical
platform (UTP) mounted on a two-stage locomotive system in which a
first stage is a significantly high-speed travel stage where the
UTP reaches an arena, and a second stage is a tactical maneuver
stage in which the UTP maneuvers at the arena for executing a
mission.
[0010] The term tactical platform as used hereinafter in the
specification and claims denotes any of a variety of utility
platforms designed and equipped for executing one or more missions.
Several examples of such missions are:
[0011] Fire-fighting/hazardous material detection and control;
[0012] Boarder/territory patrol (e.g. national boarders, prisons,
camps, airports, farms, factories, etc);
[0013] Terror/hostile activity fighting;
[0014] Scouting and intelligence; and
[0015] Support in emergency events.
[0016] According to the invention there is provided an unmanned
tactical platform (UTP) designed and equipped for execution of
tactical missions and being displaceable along a predetermined path
by means of a two-stage locomotive system, and comprising the
following stages: [0017] (i) displacing the UTP along said path, at
significantly high speed, between any location on said path an
arena, displacement being facilitated by a first locomotive stage
system; the first stage is defined as substantially fast
displacement along a predetermined rout or path with some sort of
guidance required; [0018] (ii) executing one or more tactical
missions at said arena, where said UTP is fitted for self
maneuvering at the arena for executing its mission, said
maneuvering being facilitated by a second locomotive stage.
[0019] While executing its mission, the UTP may remain engaged with
the first locomotive stage system or alternatively it can detach
from said locomotive stage system for tactical maneuvering at the
arena. Optionally, after completing the mission, the UTP may
re-engage with the first stage locomotive system for transferring
to another arena or to a base station.
[0020] The predetermined path is a defined route extending between
potential or pre-defined arenas, where the locomotive system is
capable of displacing the UTP along said path at significantly high
speed. The path may be equipped with means to facilitate fast
locomotive of the locomotive system along said route, e.g. a
monorail or rails, a cable, a magnetic induction transfer system
(e.g. a so-called MAGLEV system), a virtually inductive electric
propelling system, a chained track, etc., where the locomotive
system is respectively fitted for cooperation with such means.
However, the path may also be a road, a paved path or a
consolidated soil path suited for fast displacement of the UTP
there along. For example, the fast locomotive stage of the
locomotive system may be a vehicle powered by various systems e.g.
fuel or electric engine, jet, pneumatic, magnetic, etc. and
combinations thereof. There may also be different mechanical
displacing arrangements such as a catapult system, stored mechanic
energy, etc.
[0021] However, for the tactical maneuver stage, the UTP may
require other displacement means such as track motivation or a
suitable suspended wheeled system to facilitate locomotive of the
UTP also at poor transferability terrain, though not at high speed.
However, the first and second locomotive stages may be facilitated
by a single mechanism. Furthermore, the locomotive system may be a
combined system, i.e. one comprising more then one system,
providing also backup in case of failure of one system.
[0022] When the fast locomotive stage and the second stage (the
tactical maneuvering stage) are carried out by different locomotive
systems, the arrangement may be such that the UTP is detachably
mounted on a first stage transfer system for significant fast speed
displacement, and upon arrival at the arena it detaches from said
first stage transfer system and is deployed to the arena over an
independent, second stage transfer system for tactical
maneuver.
[0023] It should further be appreciated that at the first stage the
UTP may be displaced according to one of the following options:
[0024] 1. the UTP is engaged to a guiding track associated with a
power transporting system, the later entailing displacement of the
vehicle (e.g. where the vehicle is engaged onto a rail or other
form of guide track, and where displacement of the vehicle is by a
power mechanism associated with said guiding transporting system);
[0025] 2. the UTP is engaged to a guiding track though the UTP is
self propelled (e.g. where the vehicle is engaged onto a rail or
other form of guide track, where displacement of the vehicle is by
a power mechanism associated with the vehicle); [0026] 3. UTP is
not engaged to any guide means and it is self propelled (e.g. where
the vehicle is self propelled and it travels along a predetermined
smooth and fast path, possibly guided by a GPS aided system, a
video control system, etc);
[0027] When the UTP reaches the arena, it then enters the second
stage, where it disengages from the guiding track (where the UTP is
displaced at the first stage according to either options 1) or 2)
above) or immediately shifts into the second stage to execute its
tactic mission at the arena by its self maneuvering ability. Where
the UTP displaces at the first stage according to option 3) above,
It may deploy into the second stage by selecting a path other then
that of said fast path, depending on real time decisions made
depending on various parameters, e.g. topography at the arena, real
time images or pre-stored images and occurrences at the arena,
where the vehicle can then maneuver at the arena also at poor
topography conditions.
[0028] At the second stage, the UTP may engage with a mission force
(e.g. troops at or adjacent the arena) where said mission force
takes control over the UTP for controlling its tactic operation at
the arena. This may be carried out by remote control means or by
actual riding.
[0029] In case the UTP encounters an obstacle at the first stage,
it may be programmed for spontaneously deployment into the second
stage, or may do so per remote control instructions. The UTP may
override the obstacle and then revert to the first fast
displacement as per the first stage (including re-engagement with
the guiding track) or, depending on real time decision making, it
may continue its mission at the second stage. An obstacle may in
fact be some sort of occurrence which may result in termination of
stage one and immediate deployment into stage two of the UTP.
[0030] The UTP is equipped with information collecting sensors for
picking up signals responsive to different conditions of the UTP
and of the arena, along the path and at the arena. For example, the
information may be image signals, location and position signals,
speed and acceleration signals, temperature signals, sound signals,
etc. Such information will typically be transferred to a control
center by different wire or wireless means.
[0031] For executing a mission, the UTP will include dedicated
equipment, depending on the intended mission/missions, e.g. weapon
systems, pyrotechnic equipment, illumination and audio equipment,
fire-fighting equipment, hazardous material handling equipment,
robotic manipulators, electronic equipment e.g. communication,
intelligence/surveillance and imaging equipment (day/night;
through-smoke; 3D vision, etc.), or any other payload. The tactical
platform may be a module pre-designed for certain missions and
adapted for mounting on a locomotive system, or it may be in the
form of a platform adapted for mounting thereon the equipment by a
variety of adaptors.
[0032] Controlling the UTP may be facilitated in several ways and
may comprise several control and command modules. For example,
there may be a manned control center (CC) receiving information
from the UTP and in turn generating control signals for maneuvering
and operation of the UTP. Alternatively, there may be provided a
decision making system fitted on the UTP where it becomes an
autonomous unit, though information may nevertheless be transferred
to a CC (optionally with an override control option).
[0033] According to some other embodiments, the UTP may be comprise
a programmable control or decision unit capable of managing and
controlling the execution of one or more missions according to
different mission plans and scenarios. Accordingly, the UTP may be
programmed for carrying out a predetermined routine (e.g. patrol
along the path according to certain routine patterns) and in case
of an event at an arena, control of the UTP may then be taken over
by a decision making unit (manned or unmanned) for controlling
signal detection, signal interpretation and response of the
UTP.
[0034] However, the UTP may also be designed as a completely
autonomous unit for handling different scenarios occurring along
the path and at arenas adjacent the path. Alternatively, some
activities of the UTP may be controlled autonomously and others may
be controlled by manned control systems, pre-programmed or upon
demand.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0035] In order to understand the invention and to see how it may
be carried out in practice, some embodiments will now be described,
by way of non-limiting examples only, with reference to the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0036] FIGS. 1A and 1B are schematic illustrations of an unmanned
tactical platform (UTP) system in accordance with the present
invention, wherein:
[0037] FIG. 1A illustrates the UTP at a first locomotive stage
during a patrol mission; and
[0038] FIG. 1B schematically illustrates a UTP control center;
[0039] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate a fire fighting UTP operating
along a pipe-line, wherein:
[0040] FIG. 2A illustrates the UTP at the first stage, engaged with
a rail locomotive system extending along the pipe-line; and
[0041] FIG. 2B illustrates the UTP at the second stage, fighting a
fire.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0042] Attention is first directed to FIGS. 1A and 1B of the
drawings illustrating an unmanned tactical platform (UTP) designed
for along-the-border patrol and tactical missions. The term
"border" as used in the present case is referred to in its broadest
meaning, e.g. borders between countries or states, borders of
sensitive locations such as airports, power and nuclear plants,
farms and any other land property which one may wish to protect
from intruders.
[0043] A path is defined around the boundaries of the territory to
be protected and suitable arrangements are then provided for the
UTP, generally designated 20, to travel along said path, a segment
of which is illustrated in FIG. 1A and designated P. However, in
order to shorten the arrival time of the UTP to an arena there may
be paths transferring the territory rather or in addition to a path
along the boundaries of the territory.
[0044] The path P is formed with a paved or tightly pressed track
24 extending along an outwardly facing ramp 28 fitted with a
protection shield/fence 30 and optionally, with additional delaying
obstacles, e.g. fences, mines, etc.
[0045] Extending along the ramp 28 there is a monorail 34 which
secures the ramp by connectors 36. As will be explained
hereinafter, the monorail 34 supplies power to the UTP 20 and
transfers communication between the UTP and a remote control
center, generally designated CC in FIG. 1B.
[0046] The UTP 20, though schematically illustrated in FIG. 1A,
comprises a locomotive system which in the present embodiment
comprises a monorail engagement mechanism or monorail system 40 and
a suspended wheeled system 44. The monorail system is a so-called
first stage locomotive system adapted for propelling the UTP 20
along the path P at significantly high speed, say for example over
60 km/hr. According to one embodiment, the UTP 20 may be propelled
by the monorail system though driven over its wheeled system 44. In
accordance with a different embodiment, the UTP 20 may be elevated
from the ground while at its first stage and may be supported only
to the monorail 34.
[0047] The monorail system 40 is designed for fast disengagement
and optionally re-engagement of the UTP 20 with the monorail 34.
The arrangement is such that when the UTP 20 arrives at an arena it
is capable of disconnecting from the monorail 34 and then the
locomotive system transfers to its second stage adapted for
tactical maneuvers at the arena by means of the suspended wheel
system 44. It is apparent that such maneuvering is significantly
slower and is not suitable for long distance travel or fast
maneuvering. Typically, the wheeled system 44 is capable of
maneuvering over difficult terrain, e.g. rocky, muddy and otherwise
obstacled terrain.
[0048] The UTP 20 is fitted with a modular payload 50 attached to
the body of the UTP by securing latches 52. In the present example,
payload 50 is a combined module pre-designed and furnished for a
patrol mission including surveillance, imaging, target finding, and
fire power, etc. For these purposes, the payload 50 comprises a
telescopic mast 56 fitted at its top end with an imaging model 58
manipulable with respect to the mast 56 which comprises a
spotlight/floodlight unit as well as night vision and imaging
means, as known, per se. The payload 50 further comprises a firing
unit generally designated 60 comprising a machine gun 62, a grenade
thrower 64 (e.g. for projection of smoke or explosive grenades,
etc.) and other tactical means, as may be required.
[0049] The payload 50 is further fitted with a communication system
for communicating with a remote control center and is equipped for
that purpose with suitable antennas 70. There is further provided
tactical surveillance equipment, e.g. sound pickup, radar, etc.
designated at 76.
[0050] As already mentioned, the UTP 20 is controlled and remotely
operated by a control center CC schematically illustrated in FIG.
1B, being a manned command center. This control center CC
continuously receives information relating to the location and
position of the UTP 20, e.g. by means of a GPS system, which
information, at the first transfer stage may be transmitted to the
control center via the monorail 34 or other suitable communication
means attached thereto, for example, by radio communication, as
known in the art.
[0051] In the present example, the control center is a remote
manned control CC center. The control center, however it may be a
completely automated control system comprising one or more
decision-making units (e.g. fuzzy logic systems). The system may
also be such that during a routine patrol mission the UTP 20 is
controlled by an automated decision-making system fitted aboard the
UTP or fitted at the remote control center CC. However, upon
occurrence of a non-routine scenario, control may be taken over by
an automated decision-making system or by a manned control
system.
[0052] The information received by the control center CC will
typically include all relevant information concerning the location
and position of the UTP 20 as well as tactical information such as
a dynamic image of the arena, image analysis, potential target
information, etc. When the UTP 20 is fitted with surveillance or
communication equipment, the relevant information may be picked up
and transferred to the control center CC for decoding (intelligence
interpretation).
[0053] FIG. 1B illustrates the control center CC with an operator O
is situated adjacent three large displays D1, D2 and D3 wherein D1
is a general tactical mission plan giving the operator a general
overall view of the mission and the location of one or more UTPs
20. Display D2 provides information concerning the location and
position of a selected UTP 20 including all the associated
parameters, e.g. speed, acceleration, fire power, etc. Display D3
provides a field view provided by cameras fitted on the selected
UTP 20. The control center CC comprises control equipment for
controlling locomotive of the UTP 20 along its first stage, for
disengaging it from the monorail 34 and for maneuvering it at the
second tactical maneuvering stage. Such maneuvering controls
typically comprise a joystick or other simulating control as known
per se.
[0054] The principle of operation of the UTP 20 in accordance with
the present invention is significantly rapid arrival of the UTP to
the arena of an event and then tactical maneuvering as may be
required. This is achieved by the two-stage locomotive system
wherein the UTP 20 travels along the predetermined path P at a
significantly high speed, say for example, over 60 km/hr and upon
arrival at the arena it facilitates the second stage being a
self-propelled maneuvering stage for tactical movement required for
carrying out one or more missions.
[0055] In some cases the predetermined path P may be fitted with
two fast tracks to facilitate cooperation of two or more UTPs 20 to
thereby ensure rapid arrival of a UTP to an arena (according to
such a scenario, a nearest UTP will be deployed to the arena by a
decision making system) and further, to provide the support in case
of failure of one of the UTPs.
[0056] However in some scenarios the UTP 20 will not detach from
the first stage locomotive system. An example of such a scenario is
the rapid arrival of the UTP 20 to an arena with the UTP
maintaining its position where it can provide a view of the field
or fulfill some other task, e.g. serve as a target pointer, radar
unit, etc.
[0057] Turning now to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2A and
2B, there is illustrated a pipeline patrol and fire fighting UTP,
generally designated 90, fitted for patrolling along a pipeline 92
in accordance with a pre-programmed patrol pattern.
[0058] The UTP 90 is detachably engaged with a monorail 94 for
propelling it at significantly high speed along path P which is a
paved track extending parallel to the pipeline 92. At the fast
stage, the wheel system 98 of the UTP 90 is a free-drive system
wherein the propelling is obtained by the driving mechanism 100
attachable to the monorail 94. However, upon detaching from the
monorail 94 the UTP 90 becomes an independent vehicle (FIG. 2B)
wherein a wheel system 98 is propelled by means of an integral
power system. Increasing the UTP's maneuvering ability may be
obtained, for example, by introducing a wheel system 98 where the
wheels or tracks at opposite sides of the vehicle rotate in
opposite directions.
[0059] The UTP 90 is fitted with fire extinguishing means such as a
foam gun 104, water jet guns 106, etc. Within the body of the UTP
90 is typically a large container holding one or more fire
extinguishing agents. Furthermore, it is preferable that the UTP 90
be provided with through-smoke vision means and illuminating means
(pyrotechnic or electric illuminating force) whereby an image of
the arena may be transmitted to the control center CC.
[0060] The UTP 90 may also be provided with fire and smoke sensors
for generating an alert system immediately upon detection of a
fire. Other sensors may be provided as well for sensing leaks along
the pipeline 92.
[0061] Control of the UTP 90 may be facilitated in accordance with
any of the hereinabove discussed manners.
[0062] Also, at the second stage, the UTP may engage with a mission
force (e.g. troops at or adjacent the arena) where said mission
force takes control over the UTP for controlling its tactic
operation at the arena. This may be carried out by remote control
means or by actual riding.
[0063] Although two particular embodiments have been disclosed with
reference to the drawings, it should be clear that they are not
intended thereby to limit the scope of the invention, but rather
the disclosure is intended to cover all modifications and
arrangements falling within the scope and spirit of the present
invention, mutatis mutandis.
[0064] For example, the locomotive system may be of various forms
and combinations wherein the first stage locomotive system may be
any suitable arrangement providing that the UTP is displaced along
the path at significantly high speed. Regarding the second stage,
suitable arrangements should be provided to facilitate maneuvering
of the UTP over different types of terrain. The engagement of the
UTP with the propelling arrangement of the first stage should
facilitate fast disengagement and optionally re-engagement whereby
the UTP may be transferred between arenas quickly and
efficiently.
[0065] Furthermore, it should be noted that the tactical payload of
the UTP may be predesigned and equipped for carrying out one or
more specific missions whereby such payloads may be removably
attachable modules fixable over a body vehicle of the UTP or, the
UTP may be predesigned and dedicated for particular missions.
[0066] In case the UTP encounters an obstacle at the first stage,
it may be programmed for spontaneously deployment into the second
stage, or may do so per remote control instructions. The UTP may
override the obstacle and then revert to the first fast
displacement as per the first stage (including re-engagement with
the guiding track) or, depending on real time decision making, it
may continue its mission at the second stage. An obstacle may in
fact be some sort of occurrence which may result in termination of
stage one and immediate deployment into stage two of the UTP.
[0067] Similarly, control and command of a UTP in accordance with
the present invention may be carried out in a variety of different
ways such as central control centers, automated decision making
centers, etc., or combinations of such methods.
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